African Heritage Month 2026 | Placemaking 4G Changemakers Series

As part of African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia, Placemaking 4G is proud to spotlight local Black changemakers we have had the honour of learning from and working with this past year.

Today, we are recognizing the passion and force that is Janna Hines, a Nova Scotia-based leader in diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI), who brings a holistic and actionable approach to DEI strategy.

From Aspiration to Operations

“For me, it’s about moving DEI work from aspiration to operations,” she says. “DEI can feel ambiguous and lofty at times. It’s not hard for people to get stuck in the ‘awareness-phase. That’s why I like to get into the nuts and bolts of what can become a tangible impact. Your values are only as good as your ability to action them.”

Supporting Systemic Change in the Legal Profession

This was the kind of approach the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society (the Society) knew they needed to help ensure a sustained implementation of the recommendations outlined in The Ruck Report.

The Ruck Report was accepted by the Society in 2024 and was presented by Douglas Ruck, KC, as a guide to confront and eliminate systemic discrimination within the legal profession.

Selected by the Society as the recruitment firm, P4G, we were eager to help the Society find a consultant partner to lead the implementation of this work with great care and integrity. This is how we came to meet and connect Janna to the project. Consulting as their Independent Implementation Lead since spring 2025, Janna has been digging deep into the operations and processes behind the Society.

Making Change Stick

“I believe to make change stick, you need to identify existing patterns of behaviour and existing issues in the larger systems,” says Janna. “From there, you can begin to make shifts and a strong foundation for going forward. This work is going to include everything from shifting daily routines to modernizing anti-discrimination policies. As opposed to a plan that sits on a shelf, this Report is a living, breathing document tied to real roles and responsibilities.”

For those curious about The Ruck Report and its progress, you can learn more at:
 https://regainingtrust.ca/progress-on-the-21-recommendations/

Rooted in Community and Practice

Janna can be found in Downtown Dartmouth with her husband Melvin, and their terrier, Journey, managing her own consultancy, offering a range of services from internal assessments to interactive training, strategy implementation, and more.

Please take a moment to help us celebrate and recognize Janna for her vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to turning DEI principles into lasting action.

Stay tuned for more profiles in our Changemakers Series, highlighting community leaders who are shaping inclusive and resilient futures across Nova Scotia.

Profile written by Margaret Schwartz.